SIR John "Sandy" Woodward, the commander of the Royal Navy task force that retook the Falklands Islands in 1982, has died aged 81, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed today.

Admiral Sandy Woodward was considered a hero of the 1982 Falklands War

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond commended Admiral Woodward on his "magnificent achievement" and said he would be remembered by many as the Navy's "fighting admiral".

Admiral Woodward reportedly died after a long illness.

Mr Hammond said: "I am saddened by the news that Admiral Sir John 'Sandy' Woodward, has died and my thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

"Admiral Woodward served his country with distinction throughout his career, but he will be best remembered by many as the Navy's Fighting Admiral after he led the Royal Navy Task Force, sent by Margaret Thatcher, to re-take the Falkland Islands in 1982.

"Following this magnificent achievement he served as the Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff and went on before retirement to be the Flag Aide-de Camp to the Queen."

First Sea Lord Admiral Sir George Zambellas said Admiral Woodward was highly regarded and widely respected in the military.

He said: "Admiral Sir Sandy Woodward will always be remembered for his powerful and clear command of the Royal Navy Task Force that retook the Falkland Islands in 1982.

"Undaunted by the challenge of fighting a capable enemy over 8,000 miles from the UK, in the most demanding and extreme of weather conditions, and against uncertain odds, Admiral Woodward's inspirational leadership and tactical acumen, meshing the realities of the higher political command at home with the raw and violent fight at sea, was a major factor in shaping the success of the British forces in the South Atlantic.

"Highly regarded and widely respected within the military, he will be sorely missed and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

Admiral Woodward was born in Penzance, Cornwall, on May 1 1932, according to the Who's Who annual.

He went on to write a memoir of his time as the Falklands task force commander titled One Hundred Days.

Admiral Woodward commanded flagship HMS Hermes leaving for the war April 5, 1982

It was also Admiral Woodward who took the decision to torpedo Argentina's General Belgrano, the destroyer which sank killing 323 men.

He did not regret the decision, saying later: “It’s very simple. There was the Belgrano and two destroyers armed with Exocet missiles milling around in the southern ocean.

"I know from experience that while they were within 200 miles of our ships, they could have us overnight. So I wanted them removed, didn’t I?”

How the Daily Express reported the end of Falklands War on June 15, 1982